A politician put herself through some gruelling physical challenges at an event to celebrate schoolchildren's achievements in a military challenge.

Pupils at the Oasis Hadley Academy in Enfield took part in the Prince’s Trust youth charity’s xl programme, which inspires people to focus on their education.

The 13 to 19-year-olds were joined by education minister Elizabeth Truss, who attended the event at the West Ham Army Reserve.

The politician took part in a series of military-themed challenges led by Commando Joe’s, which works closely with the trust and the Department for Education.

She said: “I am delighted to celebrate the successes of these innovative and dedicated military ethos schemes, which instil these values and are turning around the lives of thousands of young people.

“All young people, regardless of their background, deserve the best education possible. That is why we have increased the funding going to these important projects – allowing even more young people to benefit from the military ethos.”